Recording Orchestra and Other Classical Music Ensembles

8

Recording Woodwinds, Brass, and Percussion

While many sources divide the symphony orchestra into four sections, it can be said that the ensemble is really made up of two fairly equal halves—the string orchestra, occupying the front half of the stage area, and the woodwinds, brass, and percussion. This second grouping represents the entire back half of the orchestra on stage. This chapter covers best practices for stage positions, capturing and balancing each section, including microphone choices and placement. Basic descriptions and traditional seating plans for each group are laid out in Chapter 4.

In an ideal recording situation, all sections of the orchestra should be perfectly balanced and in focus in the main pair, so that “spot” microphones ...